Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Including Photos

Green curtains are the goal.

This is a straightforward Northern Lights cruise that trades endless car searching for one solid plan: you head out into Faxafloi Bay with a guide who mixes local aurora stories with clear science. Two things I really like about this set-up are the thermal overalls (so you are not gambling on rental gear or freezing in street clothes) and the fact that they take photos every tour for a free download afterward. One thing to consider: seeing the aurora depends on weather, and on fuller nights you may find it harder to move outside for long stretches.

Key points to know before you go

• Faxafloi Bay reduces light pollution: You get away from the city glow so the sky has a better chance to show its colors.
• Thermal overalls in adult and children sizes: Warmth is built in, which changes how long you can comfortably watch.
• A second attempt is part of the deal: If you do not see the aurora, you get another ticket for the next available day.
• Heated indoor seating plus free Wi‑Fi: When the wind picks up, you have somewhere warm to reset.
• Guides explain the lights, not just the legend: You’ll hear aurora myths and scientific explanations, plus practical photo guidance.
• Photo support onboard: Crew members can help with photography if you ask, and you also get tour photos to download.

Reykjavik to Faxafloi Bay: why this boat cruise works for aurora hunting

You are buying a chance at the aurora, not a guaranteed show. That said, the boat setup makes a lot of practical sense. The guide’s job is to help you understand what you are looking at, while the route itself helps you get a darker view than you would from the harbor.

The aurora happens when charged particles collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. On this cruise, the guide helps you separate science from myth. That matters because it changes what you expect to see. Sometimes aurora appears as a faint glow that needs a patient look. Other times you get that classic green arc or curtain effect. Either way, if you know what to look for, you waste less time staring in the wrong part of the sky.

This cruise also builds in time for both outdoors watching and indoor warm-up. You can get out on deck to stargaze, then return to a heated viewing space when you need a break. That rhythm is useful because Northern Lights sessions often run long enough for cold to become the main problem, not the aurora.

Where you start on Geirsgata and what the timing feels like

The meeting point is Special ToursGeirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The cruise runs about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.), and after the tour you return to the same meeting point. If you choose the hotel drop-off option, that comes after the cruise.

One reason this matters is that you are not spending your whole evening in transport. You are set up to be watching fairly quickly, and then you stay out together as conditions change. Some nights the aurora shows early. Other nights it appears later, after you have already started thinking, well, maybe that was it. The better operators manage that reality, and this one does too—there are experiences where the crew kept time going longer once lights started showing.

Group size is capped at 198. In practice, that can mean you will move in and out of warm spaces in a crowd, and your outdoor viewing spot may not be your favorite one for the entire night.

Thermal overalls, heated seating, and staying sane in wind and cold

The biggest value-add here is the included winter clothing. You get thermal overalls (with children’s sizes too), which means you can focus on watching rather than building an outfit from scratch. In Iceland, that is not a small thing. A lot of people underestimate how quickly a cold breeze can turn a fun plan into a long endurance test.

On this cruise, comfort is structured into the experience:

• Heated indoor seating for warmth breaks
• A viewing area where you can still watch without standing in the wind the whole time
• Hot drinks available to purchase onboard (food and drink are not included, but you can buy them)

There is also free Wi‑Fi, which is handy for practical stuff like checking your camera settings guidance or sharing a moment with friends while you are waiting. It is not why you booked, but it keeps the down time from feeling dead.

A small practical tip: if you are between sizes for the overalls, you might prefer a looser fit so you can layer underneath and move comfortably on a rocking deck. Motion can make tight gear feel worse.

Aurora 101: myths and science from the onboard guide

This is not just a drive-by photo stop. The guide gives you context, and that makes the waiting feel smarter.

You’ll hear local aurora myths alongside scientific explanations. The science part is where the show becomes easier to spot. You learn what causes the colors, why the aurora shifts, and how viewing can depend on conditions you cannot control. That helps you stay patient instead of doom-scrolling the weather report every 10 minutes.

Guides also focus on what helps you see and photograph the aurora. Many people report that crew and guides gave clear directions on where to look and how to frame shots. One guide name that shows up in the experiences shared is Lukas, praised for being informative and making people feel guided rather than herded.

And here’s the useful bit: on nights when the lights do appear, the difference between a quick glimpse and a great sequence often comes down to knowing what you are looking for and having your camera ready at the right moment.

Photo tips that actually help when the sky goes green

Let’s be honest: the aurora can be harder to capture than it looks in videos. In some conditions, the sky colors can be faint to the naked eye, and people end up chasing a glow that disappears the moment they blink.

This cruise is set up to help you work with your camera:

• Crew can give photography assistance onboard
• The guide shares tips for getting better results
• They take pictures on every tour, available for free download afterward

That last point is underrated value. Even if your own shots are messy (wind, shake, wrong settings), you still get a set of official photos from the experience.

Practical advice that shows up in real experiences: keep your camera ready and be prepared for the lights to arrive when you least expect it. Several people mention lights appearing after a slow stretch, including nights where the crew extended viewing time once the aurora started showing more clearly. So do not put your camera away early just because the first 30 minutes are quiet.

Also, if your goal is photos, don’t treat deck time like a casual stroll. Move with purpose—find a spot with a decent sky view, keep your settings consistent, and use the crew’s guidance when they point out where the aurora is likely to form.

If the lights are missing: free rebook and backup options

Because weather is the boss in Iceland, a lot of your experience depends on what the operator can do if the aurora is weak or the cruise can’t run safely.

Good news: this tour includes a built-in safety net. If you do not see the aurora on your night, you get a free ticket to try again on the next available day. There is no expiration on the offer, and you can use it for future trips in Reykjavík.

If the whole cruise is canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a choice to reschedule or receive a full refund (as long as you have not already joined the tour previously). If it is not the aurora forecast that fails but the sea conditions that make boat viewing unpleasant, the plan can shift. In those cases, you may be offered a Northern Lights by Bus tour instead—when the coach option is used because sea conditions are poor, the bus tour is the same price as the boat tour, and a refund is not offered in that situation.

One more heads-up from real experiences: a few people reported that when the boat couldn’t run for viewing reasons, the alternative activity offered was not what they hoped for. If you want a pure aurora-only night, know that backup plans can vary when conditions are ugly.

Comfort, crowding, and motion: the trade-offs of going by boat

A boat gives you freedom on the water—but it also brings two realities: limited outdoor space and real ocean motion when wind picks up.

The boat can be busy on some nights, and that can reduce how long you can comfortably stay outdoors. People mention full capacity limiting room to move on deck. If you hate crowds or standing still for long stretches, that’s something to plan for. Your best strategy is to use the warm indoor areas as your base and rotate out for short bursts when the guide points out something promising.

Motion is another factor. Even with thermal overalls, strong wind and rocking can make it tough to stay focused and harder to take steady photos. One experience describes the boat feeling small and cramped, while others praise the ship size and comfortable seating. That suggests the exact boat and layout can affect your comfort level, so manage expectations.

Also, while you can purchase refreshments onboard, food is not included. If you get hungry during waiting time, plan for extra spending and keep some patience—this is an aurora hunt, not a dinner cruise.

Is the $108 price fair: value vs car, bus, and gear costs

At about $108.13 per person, this is not the cheapest way to hunt aurora—but it does include several things that make the price feel more reasonable.

Here’s the value math that actually matters:

• Thermal overalls are included: you avoid the temptation to buy expensive winter gear just for a single night.
• Heated indoor seating and free Wi‑Fi: comfort is part of the ticket, not an add-on.
• Photos included: tour photos are taken on every cruise and downloaded for free.
• A free rebook if you miss: that reduces the risk of paying for a night when clouds steal the show.

When you compare this to a DIY plan, you also save time. Driving around for aurora is not just about distance—it’s about finding pull-offs with safe parking and decent sky views. A boat lets the operator handle the “go where it’s darker” part.

Compared to bus-based aurora tours, a boat adds stability issues (motion) but often adds a more dramatic viewing feel and the chance to move out from light pollution. If you really dislike rocking water, you might prefer a land-based option. If you are okay with movement and want a longer, more immersive experience, the boat is a strong pick.

Should you book this Northern Lights cruise

I’d book it if you want a planned, guided aurora evening with real comfort built in. The included thermal overalls, heated areas, and included photos make this feel like a “you can actually enjoy the wait” tour. And the free return ticket if you miss is a big deal in Iceland, where weather can change fast.

I would think twice if:

• You get motion sick or hate cold wind exposure.
• You expect the tour to always go out no matter what (it can shift to a bus plan or other alternative if conditions are unsafe or not workable).
• You only want an aurora-only night and dislike backup activities.

If you do book, the best way to help your odds is simple: arrive ready to layer, keep your camera accessible, and listen when the guide starts pointing out where the sky action is likely to happen. That’s how you turn a gamble into a great story.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik?

The cruise runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The price listed is $108.13 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Special ToursGeirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is the cruise offered in English, and how large is the group?

Yes, it’s offered in English, and the tour has a maximum group size of 198.

What’s included in the ticket?

Included are thermal overalls (children’s sizes available), free Wi‑Fi and heated indoor seating, photos taken on every tour with free download, and photography assistance can be provided onboard. There’s also a free ticket to try again if you do not see the aurora.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drink are not included, though you can purchase refreshments onboard. Hot drinks are available to purchase.

What happens if I do not see the Northern Lights?

If you do not see the lights, you receive another ticket to join on the next available day. There is no refund if you have already used the service after joining and not seeing the lights.

What if the tour is canceled because of bad weather?

If the tour is canceled due to inclement weather, you’ll be offered the option to reschedule or get a full refund (as long as you have not already joined previously).

What if sea conditions are poor but aurora viewing might still be possible?

If conditions to see the lights still look good but sea conditions are poor, you may be offered Northern Lights by Bus instead. The coach option is the same price as the boat option, and a refund is not offered in that case.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount you paid is not refunded.